Lynwood – Lynwood High School senior Aine Garnett traveled to Lowell, Massachusetts this summer to represent Lynwood Unified and the state of California at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, where she met with Nobel Laureates to learn about achieving a career in the medical field.

Garnett was presented with an official Award of Excellence on Sept. 21 for her successful completion of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, an experience that inspired her to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a physical therapist.

“I’m going to keep striving for what I want to do – no matter how hard the situation is you just keep on going,” Garnett said.

Garnett’s plan to earn a degree in physical therapy came about after experiencing sports-related injuries.

“Going to physical therapy and them helping me out so I can play the sports I was playing inspired me to want to help others and help athletes get back to how they were,” Garnett said.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors program for high-achieving high school students who want to make a career in medical research fields. Hosted at the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus, the three-day event aims to motivate students across the country and to provide resources to help them achieve their goals.

With the theme “greatness awaits”, the full-day conference provided networking opportunities for students as well as information from university admissions on paying for medical school and finding a curriculum plan that best suits the individual’s career goals.

One program highlight was the opportunity to observe a live abdominal operation. Garnett and other student delegates watched the procedure from behind the operating room glass and they were able to question the surgeon in real-time.

“We are so proud of Aine Garnett and her accomplishments at The Congress of Future Medical Leaders,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “Garnett is a role model for our district and her drive for knowledge perfectly exemplifies the active learners that we have at Lynwood Unified.”

Grand masters of the Congress included academy medical director Robert G. Darling, M.D. and Dr. Leland Hartwell. Darling was the first board-certified Emergency Medicine physician to serve as the White House physician. Hartwell was the winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Distinguished physicians and prominent academic figures spoke about their experiences in the field and offered advice for succeeding in the industry. Medical scientists shared cutting-edge advances for the future in medicine and medical technology, and patients who are considered medical miracles told their stories of healing.

The Congress is open to high school students who possess the passion, ability and potential to be a future medical leader. Students must be nominated by a teacher, counselor or principal, and they must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“As a District, we strive to encourage our students to gain experience in their desired profession while they are in high school,” LUSD Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “Aine Garnett shows tremendous enthusiasm and leadership, and we are excited to see her continue on her path to becoming a medical professional.”

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100317_LUSD_MEDICALLEADER1: Lynwood High School senior Aine Garnett displays her Award of Excellence for her successful completion of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders program.